Guarding in Laguna - 1944-46

Bob Lowell

Guarding in Laguna – 1944-46

My life guarding years in Laguna Beach were from 1944-1946; then I left for college on the east coast - US Navy Academy. At the time Charlie Plummer was captain and Bob Kellogg was assistant captain. We had a total of 8 guards. My area of responsibility was Crescent Bay and occasionally Diver’s Cove. We had very young (age wise) guards due to World War II. Black out was in effect. No street lights or car lights other than parking lights could be used. No beach fires – period! Guards were 100% responsible for cleaning the beach (trash, kelp and bottles). The bottles were super as the 3 cents rebate for Coke and Pepsi helped supplement our $5.00 per day from the city. To help make ends meet I also set pins at the bowling alley in the evenings. At Crescent Bay, it was truly a family atmosphere and seldom did we have any problems until the surf “acted up”. Then the real challenge – as the torpedo like orange colored metal cans were almost like a weapon! Large tackle boxes were our first aid “kits” – yes, we also had to stock our own first aid kits and we paid for the “goods”. We also had to furnish our own hats and swim suits. As like today, the girls were still in awe of a lifeguard and secretly we loved it!!!! Bottom line, being a lifeguard in Laguna Beach was a special time in my life. I was a Los Angeles boy only in the winter – Laguna was my family’s home since 1926. During President Nixon’s time in office – when the Western White House was operational – some of my military time was devoted to transporting dignitaries to/from Washington, D.C. – of course, staying in Laguna was always a “hardship”.

Having been an Air Force pilot and traveled most of the world, truly, there is NO PLACE in the world that has such beautiful coves and beaches. I retired to Laguna after 30 years in the military – it is special to live in Laguna.

Warm regards and best wishes,

Bob Lowell

July 20, 2004